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A live orchestra provides the soundtrack for this Christmas classic on the big screen. Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Symphony
Santa Sightings, Holiday Light Shows, and More Things To Do this Weekend in New Jersey
It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids 2025
The Turtle Back Zoo holiday lights show in West Orange is one of our top picks for family fun this Christmas. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids in 2025
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
Best 2025 Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in New Jersey
Grab a spot in the Car Menorah Parade or catch the end of the cavalcade for candle lighting and refreshments. Photo courtesy of Chabad Center Cherry Hill
18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey 2025
More than 50,000 illuminated tulips will line the fields of Holland Ridge Farms' Winter Wonderland show. Photo courtesy of the farm
New Jersey's Most Popular Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out for 2025
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Polar Express Trains in New Jersey for Families in 2025
Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
25 Things To Do in New Jersey During November 2025 School Holidays
Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day
Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate New Jersey Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NJ
Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden
100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rainforest Cafe
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors
Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
100 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids in 2025
Attractions at Morganville's Play Big Zone include arcades games and a 2,000-square-foot obstacle course.
20 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in New Jersey
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
The Battkeship New Jersey is an amazing hands on experience for families. Photo by Lisa Warden
Best NJ Children's Museums in South and Central Jersey
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less
Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive
Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids
At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 26 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
Hike 1.6 miles to reach the dramatic beauty of South Mountain Reservation's Hemlock Falls. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids in 2025
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide
FIND AND BOOK ACTIVITIES
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This Week In
New Jersey
Featured
A Paw Patrol Christmas at Paley Land
Paley Museum - 12:00 PM
Free Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City
Downtown Ocean City - 12:00 PM Pick
Dickens Village in Maplewood
Maplewood Village - 1:00 PM Pick
Free Photos with Santa on the Amusement Park Train Ride
Jenkinson's Boardwalk - 1:30 PM Pick
South Orange Tree Lighting
Felina Steak - 2:00 PM Pick
Featured
Elf in Concert
NJPAC (and additional location) - 2:00 PM
Free Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City
Downtown Ocean City - 12:00 PM Pick
Free Photos with Santa on the Amusement Park Train Ride
Jenkinson's Boardwalk - 1:30 PM Pick
Scotch Plains Holiday Celebration
Alan Augustine Village Green - 1:00 PM Pick
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
Turtle Back Zoo - 5:00 PM Pick
Preschool Storytime at Bridgewater Library
Bridgewater Library - 10:30 AM Pick
Shake, Rattle, & Read: A Lapsit Storytime at Edison Public Library
Edison Public Library - 10:00 AM Pick
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
Turtle Back Zoo - 5:00 PM Pick
Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium - 10:00 AM
Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
Fanwood's Famous Christmas House - 4:00 PM
Barnes & Noble Storytime in Livingston
Barnes & Noble Livingston - 10:00 AM Pick
Bookscape Babies at Cotsen Children's Library
Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton University Library - 11:00 AM Pick
Wags & Wiggles at Animal Welfare Association
Animal Welfare Association - 11:00 AM Pick
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
Turtle Back Zoo - 5:00 PM Pick
Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium - 10:00 AM
Featured
Gingerbread House Decorating and Family Night
Morven Museum & Garden - 4:30 PM
Play Cafe at Ramsey Free Public Library
Ramsey Free Public Library - 10:30 AM Pick
Barnes & Noble Storytime in Holmdel
Barnes & Noble - 11:00 AM Pick
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
Turtle Back Zoo - 5:00 PM Pick
Morven's Festival of Trees
Morven Museum & Garden - 10:00 AM
Barnes & Noble Storytime in Livingston
Barnes & Noble Livingston - 10:00 AM Pick
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
Turtle Back Zoo - 5:00 PM Pick
Food Truck Thursdays in Union
Town Hall Parking Lot - 5:30 PM Pick
Deptford Mall Kid's Mini Theater Show
Deptford Mall - various times Pick
Morven's Festival of Trees
Morven Museum & Garden - 10:00 AM
Storytime with Ms. Cassia at Hoboken Historical Museum
Hoboken Historical Museum - 10:00 AM Pick
Wags & Wiggles at Animal Welfare Association
Animal Welfare Association - 11:00 AM Pick
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
Turtle Back Zoo - 5:00 PM Pick
Lighting Up Nature Drive-Thru
Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center - 6:00 PM Pick
2025 Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
Grand Arcade and Convention Hall - various times Pick
SEE ALL ACTIVITIES
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A Paw Patrol Christmas at Paley Land
Paley Museum
Elf in Concert
NJPAC (and additional location)
Cherish the Ladies Celtic Christmas
Union County Performing Arts Center
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Our Best Family Travel of 2014: Top Family Resorts, Beach Towns and Super Cities

1/4/15 - By Anna Fader

2014 was a great year for travel. Our bloggers visited dozens of southern cities, mountain towns, Caribbean beaches, and kid-friendly resorts so we could share some of the best travel destinations for families with you. We discovered fantastic new beach resorts, revisited great national parks and broadened our horizons at new destinations. Whether you’re planning your next trip, or you just want to do a little armchair travel through our photo galleries, here are our top ten travel destinations from 2014.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Click through each link to read our full experience and see more photo galleries. 

  1. Beaches Turks and Caicos
    In a year of great travel, my family unanimously agrees that Beaches Turks and Caicos firmly stood out as the winner. The absolutely breathtaking beaches, the plethora of activities for everyone in our group and the seamless ease of all inclusive travel. New in 2014, the brand new Key West section of the resort offers large airy rooms and suites. A splurgy trip, but worth every penny. 
     
  2. Yosemite National Park
    The natural beauty of Yosemite National Park can’t be beat. Our blogger Jennifer shares tips on how to plan the perfect family trip to this iconic destination.
     
  3. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica
    Anyone who’s been to Costa Rica probably has it on their top vacation destination list. The only thing that could make a Costa Rica vacation better would be the absolutely beautiful and luxurious Andaz Papagayo Resort. From the modern organic rooms to the sweeping swimming pools and the thoughtful dining and treetop spa, there’s everything to love about this stunning new property. My new personal fave.
     
  4. Montreal
    We enjoyed Montreal so much we visited in the winter and again in the summer so you can find out what to do any season of the year. Montreal boasts great food, culture and a touch of Europe so close to home.
     
  5. Asheville, NC
    Asheville has become one of the hottest little cities around and we found out why. Stuffed with indie eateries, breweries, loads of outdoor adventures and a grand historic home, we discovered all the secrets to a family vacation in Asheville that everyone will love.
     
  6. El Conquistador Resort, Puerto Rico
    Another over-the-top fun resort we loved was Puerto Rico’s El Conquistador. The family-friendly resort has a 2.4 acre water park, a private island to enjoy water sports, kids’ programs, a marina, golf course, Waldorf Astoria spa and loads of great dining options.
     
  7. Lake George, NY
    Lake George has been a favorite summer resort town for over a hundred years and it’s charm never fades. We finally got a taste of the fun in this Adirondack lake town and share the skinny on everything to do for your family getaway.
     
  8. Richmond, VA
    Another southern town we fell in love with this year was Richmond, Virginia. With loads of outdoor activities, grown-ups can enjoy nature and culture without making the kids stir crazy. Enjoy a sculpture garden, a grand historic mansion, wildlife tours, parks and more in lovely Richmond.
     
  9. Napa Valley, CA
    If good food and wine are what spells vacation to you, then Napa is your travel Mecca. Not typically a destination for children, but our run-down of family friendly vineyards will help you plan a vacation that everyone will enjoy.
     
  10. Jamaica
    Of all the Caribbean islands, Jamaica stands out for the great variety of activities. In one vacation you can zip line over a waterfall, swim with dolphins, visit an historic haunted mansion and pet a crocodile, not to mention enjoy beautiful beaches.

One of the basic principles behind Mommy Poppins is that memories can be made every time you step outside your door, whether it’s a trip around the corner or around the world. Check our travel site to find dozens of vacation ideas, city guides, and resort reviews or subscribe to our travel newsletter to get updates whenever we post new travel content. We wish you many adventures in 2015 and beyond.

Beaches & Lakes Family Travel City Guides Hotels & Resorts Hotels & Resorts Family Travel City Guides Baby Preschoolers Kids Tweens & teens Canada Montreal Northeast Caribbean South California Jamaica Southwest and Rockies United States

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